In his travels around the world, Marco Polo found the Chinese farmers hitting animal shaped clay figures filled with seeds as a celebration of the New Year and the beginning of Spring. This custom passed into Europe in the 14th century and in Spain the first Sunday in Lent became the ‘Dance of the Piñata'. Spanish missionaries used the Pinata to convert the Mayans to the Catholic religion.However indigenous peoples already had a similar tradition. To celebrate the birthday of the Aztec god of war, priests would place a clay pot filled with tiny treasures on a pole and this would have to be broken with a stick or club.So the Piñata became an important religious tool, shaped in a seven pointed star, the Piñata represented the seven deadly sins.By whacking the beautiful and tempting Piñata the person would be defeating the seven deadly sins (greed, gluttony, sloth, pride, envy, wrath and lust) and partake in the rewards of wealth and earthly pleasures.Blindfolded (faith) the participant leads the force against evil, as he is spun around.Voices cry out in guidance or to disorient the hitter (deceit) Symbolizing hope, the Pinata is hunghigh above peoples heads as they watch heavenwards waiting for the prize. The stick (virtue) breaks the Pinata revealing the rewards of life for keeping faith.

Everyone shares in the gifts. (charity)Everyone is justified through faith.Piñatas can be found in all shapes and sizes. One's imagination is the creative limit.The joyous Piñata continues to enhance celebrations and parties throughout the world.